With Elder Genji's words, the chamber fell silent again.
Every gaze flicked between him, Mei, and Yuto. It was obvious—Yuto hadn't been consulted. This was a bold move, especially with Mei lending her weight to it. For many, it raised her standing even higher.
"Yuto-sama, do you have any objections to the appointment?" Mei asked at last. Her tone was calm, but unease stirred inside her. Beforehand, she hadn't felt nervous. But now, waiting for his response, her heart raced.
Yuto rolled his eyes inwardly. They hadn't asked before announcing it, and now they wanted his opinion? Still, the role was useful. It erased any ambiguity around his position, and gave him formal authority to use Kirigakure's power without anyone daring to object.
He glanced at Genji, recognizing the old fox's hand in this. Clever.
Then he smiled at Mei. "No problem, Mizukage-sama."
Her cheeks warmed faintly, though her expression stayed severe. Genji, too, exhaled in relief.
"Before Yuto-sama assumes the seat, allow this old man one final decree. Mizukage-sama, your help will be needed."
Mei only inclined her head.
"From this moment," Genji intoned, voice cold, "ANBU vice-captain Tsuchida Masamitsu and Kinoshita Jiro are declared missing-nin for permitting the Six-Tails' escape, causing the deaths of two chunin, and endangering the village. Their sentence: execution on sight."
Shock rippled.
Masamitsu shot to his feet, face twisted. "Genji! You heartless bastard—how dare you condemn me!"
"And I am a clan head!" Jiro roared. "You brand me a traitor? Do you not fear the wrath of my clan?!"
"Hmph. Noisy."
Mei's snort cut them short. She moved first, chakra surging.
Masamitsu blanched. He hadn't expected her to strike without hesitation. He hurled kunai to slow her and leapt back, hands flashing through seals.
"Doton—Earth Wall!"
A massive wall rose between them. It wasn't meant to block—only to buy time for escape.
But then a soft voice drifted through the mist.
"Futton—Skilled Mist Jutsu."
White vapor spread, searing through the earth wall as though it were paper, devouring it to sludge.
Masamitsu screamed as the mist engulfed him, his flesh melting away until nothing remained.
Even Yuto shivered faintly. Mei's Boil and Lava Releases were merciless—perfect for erasing all trace of a body.
Jiro turned to flee, terror strangling his throat. But after only a few steps he froze. Yuto was already before him.
In Yuto's presence, there was no escape.
He raised a hand to halt Mei, who was preparing another attack.
"Tell me—are all of your clan's heads blond?"
The strange question made Jiro blink, confused. But he seized it as a lifeline. "Y-yes!"
Yuto's lips curved with some private amusement. A flicker—and he stood behind Jiro. The man collapsed unconscious in an instant.
"Take him to the prison. Guard him well. Watch his clan in secret. If they make one wrong move—kill them."
His voice was calm, final.
Two masked ANBU appeared, bowed, and carried Jiro away. Yuto returned to his seat.
Only then did the rest of the hall realize what had happened. Moments ago, two powerful figures had sat among them. Now, one was dissolved to nothing, the other dragged off like a criminal.
Fear chilled every spine.
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